19 



shallows with another large stone, and setting 

 a net fixed upon a bowed stick behind it. The bull- 

 heads and dobsons will float, stunned, into its 

 meshes. I have also found them clinging to old 

 spiles supporting a dam, or submerged stonework. 

 They may be kept alive any length of time if placed 

 in a can containing rotten wood. They are the best 

 shallow water bait for still fishing. My experience 

 is that it pays better to buy bait than hunt for it, 

 which takes up time and tires one. 



An all important point is the best day for fishing 

 from a weather point of view. We all know the 

 varied ideas and superstitions of fishermen, and 

 truly there is a great deal to be said in favor of 

 many of the theories when backed by actual obser- 

 vation. 



Bass are found in different localities at different 

 times ; in the early part of the season they will be 

 found on the rifts where, of course, the water is 

 warmest ; the best bait at this time is the helgra- 

 mite and larvae ; as the season advances they will 

 move to the deeper still water that lies under the 

 bushes and trees, taking insects and flies ; and 

 later still, they will be found in the deep holes, 

 lying under rocky ledges, or where gravel has fallen 

 from the banks and been washed away by the spring 

 freshets. At this period the best bait is small min- 

 nows, crayfish, molluscs, etc. Yet without rhyme 

 and reason, I find they may at any time be found 

 in deep water one day and in the shallows the 

 next, 



